You have been hired as a rocket scientist for NASA. Your job is to design a rocket
that will have a controlled flight while carrying a payload. Keep in mind that
Newton’s laws will have a powerful influence on your rocket.
MATERIALS
• balloon, long, thin
• cup, paper, small
• fishing line, 3 m
• meterstick
• pencil
PROCEDURE
1. When you begin your experiment, your teacher will tape one end of the fishing
line to the ceiling.
2. Use a pencil to poke a small hole in each side of the cup near the top. Place a
15 cm piece of string through each hole, and tape down the ends inside.
3. Inflate the balloon, and use the twist tie to hold it closed.
4. Tape the free ends of the strings to the sides of the balloon near the bottom.
The cup should hang below the balloon. Your model rocket should look like a
hot-air balloon.
5. Thread the fishing line that is hanging from the ceiling through the straw. Tape
the balloon securely to the straw. Tape the loose end of the fishing line to the
floor.
6. Untie the twist tie while holding the end of the balloon closed. When you are
ready, release the end of the balloon. Mark and record the maximum height of
the rocket.
7. Repeat the procedure, adding a penny to the cup each time until your rocket
cannot lift any more pennies.
1. In a paragraph, describe how all three of Newton’s laws influenced the flight
of your rocket.
that will have a controlled flight while carrying a payload. Keep in mind that
Newton’s laws will have a powerful influence on your rocket.
MATERIALS
• balloon, long, thin
• cup, paper, small
• fishing line, 3 m
• meterstick
• pencil
PROCEDURE
1. When you begin your experiment, your teacher will tape one end of the fishing
line to the ceiling.
2. Use a pencil to poke a small hole in each side of the cup near the top. Place a
15 cm piece of string through each hole, and tape down the ends inside.
3. Inflate the balloon, and use the twist tie to hold it closed.
4. Tape the free ends of the strings to the sides of the balloon near the bottom.
The cup should hang below the balloon. Your model rocket should look like a
hot-air balloon.
5. Thread the fishing line that is hanging from the ceiling through the straw. Tape
the balloon securely to the straw. Tape the loose end of the fishing line to the
floor.
6. Untie the twist tie while holding the end of the balloon closed. When you are
ready, release the end of the balloon. Mark and record the maximum height of
the rocket.
7. Repeat the procedure, adding a penny to the cup each time until your rocket
cannot lift any more pennies.
1. In a paragraph, describe how all three of Newton’s laws influenced the flight
of your rocket.